How to spot fake Wombat Classic sheepskin boots

Our Wombat Classic boots are extremely soft and warm and have a practical, sturdy and hardwearing sole that provides good grip and support for walking on icy pavements. So it’s hardly surprising that Wombat Classics are very popular in areas where it gets pretty cold. However, as with any luxury and exclusive item, as soon as it becomes well-known, fakes start to appear. You need to be very careful when buying your boots and we recommend investigating the 3 Ps: price, product and place.

Price

Our Wombat Classic sheepskin boots are skilfully made from the highest quality sheepskin available. Although we try our best to ensure that our products are still affordable and good value for money, this kind of quality undoubtedly comes at a cost. Bear in mind that Wombat Classic Sheepskin boots normally retail at around £80 so if the price seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.

Product

Wombat Classics are made from luxury twin-faced Australian sheepskin, which has a distinct texture and colour. The inside of genuine Wombat Classics is a medium shade of tan; the fleece will be even, without lots of longer hairs sticking out and will be extremely soft. Fake fur boots claiming to be Wombat Classics may be nearly white in colour, uneven and not as soft as they should be.

Take a look at the details. The stitching should be very neat and the boots should have a brown ‘WomBat’ label sewn on the heel and an intricate zig-zag pattern in several colours running down the back.

Wombat Classics should also be accompanied by a grey dust bag to protect them when you are not wearing them.

Place

Wombat Classic boots are made in Australia so be very wary if you see a label saying that they are made in China. We recommend that if you are unsure, only buy your Wombat Classics from the list of recommended retailers on our website.

Remember, buying fake goods is a real ethical problem. Fakes are often produced by companies that employ support poorly paid or even slave labour, often by children in conditions that do not meet basic health and safety requirements. This is something that no one wishes to support!

How to wear your Wombat boots

Ugg boots may have started out as a trend amongst LA celebrities in the early noughties, but they are no longer a fashion item. Sheepskin boots have gone mainstream and are now considered by many women to be a basic wardrobe staple. As a result they are extremely versatile and can be worn with almost anything but here are a few tips to make sure you look your best when wearing them.

Wombat sheepskin boots are available in short and long styles. If you are unsure which ones to go for, take a cue from your body shape. If you have a relatively long torso and shorter legs, then ankle-height boots are perfect for you. Worn with skinny jeans or leggings they will elongate your figure making your legs look endlessly long!

Sheepskin boots may go well with lots of different outfits but they are not suitable for every occasion. They are a comfort item and do not look right with formal outfits such as evening dresses or suits. In my opinion sheepskin boots look best with jeans or other casual trousers and a simple top. How you wear them will, of course, depend on the style and fit of your jeans. Skinny or slim fit jeans look great with the legs tucked into the boots. This creates a really sleek and slim silhouette. If you have wide or boot leg trousers, these are best worn over the top of your boots. If you try to tuck them in the material will bunch up and this may be uncomfortable, especially with jeans.

You don’t need to wear socks. In fact, it’s better if you don’t! Sheepskin is a naturally thermostatic material meaning that it will regulate the temperature of your feet keeping you comfortable all year round. In winter the sheepskin will trap your body heat keeping you warm and cosy and in the summer, the sheepskin will wick any moisture away from your feet increasing the circulation of air, allowing your feet to stay cool!

But however you choose to wear your Wombat sheepskin boots you will still look stylish as well as being warm and comfortable!

How to deodorise your sheepskin boots

Genuine sheepskin boots are best worn without socks. Sheepskin is a naturally thermostatic material, meaning it will regulate the temperature of your feet according to the weather outside. In cold weather the sheepskin will trap your body heat and in warmer weather it will draw any perspiration away from your skin and allow air to circulate keeping your feet cool. If you wear socks the sheepskin will not be as effective. However, not wearing socks can leave your boots rather smelly after a while. That is why it is just as important to care for the interior as the exterior surface of your boots. Here is how to deodorise your boots using two common household products: baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and cornflour. It is a very simple method and only takes a few minutes so there’s no excuse for smelly boots!

First of all mix two tablespoons each of baking soda and cornflour in a bowl. If you happen to have any essential oils at home you might like to add a few drops. Oils are not essential for this as baking soda is already a natural deodorant; they simply add a pleasant perfume. I find lavender essential oil particularly good for this. Be careful not to add too much, though. The mixture must remain dry, not damp and clumpy.

Tip some of the mixture into one boot and some into the other. Don’t tip it all in straight away. You might not need it all and you can always add more as you go along. Carefully shake each boot so that the mixture covers as much of the insole as possible. A good way of doing this is to tip the boot backwards and forwards from toe to heel. If feel you need to tip the boot upside down, make sure you place your hand over the part where your foot goes in, otherwise you could end up making a mess.

Put your boots aside and allow them to stand overnight. The next day, take your boots outside and shake them vigorously making sure that all of the baking soda and cornflour falls out. If you can’t get it all out, do not worry. These are natural products so won’t cause any damage to your boots or socks.

Your boots should now smell fresh and lovely!

What makes sheepskin boots so great?

Sheepskin has been a popular clothing material for hundreds of years, keeping people warm in winter as well as comfortable in summer. Also known as shearling or fleece, sheepskin remains a timeless choice. It is a versatile material, which is great for all types of clothing, from coats to hats and gloves. In recent years, sheepskin has been most popular for boots and slippers.

In Australia the sheepskin or ‘ugg’ boot has become something of a national symbol and is now globally recognised as the origin of this style of footwear. When the first European colonists arrived in Australia hundreds of years ago, they found the mild climate and large expanses of natural grassland ideal for rearing sheep. In this colonial environment where settlers had only few possessions and resources, including food, were often scarce, sheep were highly valued both as a source of food and clothing material. Over time lamb and wool became the primary crop and chief export for the whole of Australia. Today 30% of all wool used worldwide is produced in Australia from over 100 million sheep and Geelong, a town on the south east coast of Australia, is hailed as the wool capital of the world.

Over 80% of Australian wool comes from a distinct breed, specifically adapted to the conditions of the Australian countryside, known as the ‘Australian Merino.’ These sheep are highly valued for their thick and fine quality fleeces. The quality of this particular kind of sheepskin makes it ideal for footwear. It allows for a durable and hardwearing suede texture of the exterior of the boot and a soft and lightweight wool interior. Moreover, it makes the boots suitable for wear at all times of the year. Sheepskin boots are equally as comfortable in extreme cold as in the height of summer. In cold conditions the fleece insulates the feet by trapping body heat and in warmer conditions the fleece keeps feet cool by drawing any perspiration away from the skin and allowing air to circulate. Sheepskin is thus known as a thermostatic material. This means that is keeps feet close to natural body temperature regardless of the temperature outside. Furthermore, because sheepskin contains lanolin, when worn barefoot, as is traditional in Australia, sheepskin boots will moisturise feet, keeping the skin soft and supple. It is no wonder that sheepskin ‘ugg’ boots are so popular.

To buy Wombat boots online, please visit Bobtails Trading Company, D2D or Just4Leather.

The History of the Ugg Boot

An ugg (or ug or ugh) boot is simply another name for a sheepskin boot. Considered by many to be the warmest and most comfortable kind of footwear, ugg boots, originally from Australia, have been around for decades. However, over the last five years or so their popularity has spread from Australia and New Zealand, to celebrities in LA and then to the UK.

The term ugg (or ug or ugh) boots has been used in Australia to denote this style of footwear since the 1950s and should not be confused with UGG® Australia, which is a brand owned by American Deckers Outdoor Corporation, manufactured in China. The name ugg is thought to have been coined by Australian surfers and derived from the word ‘ugly’.

Ugg boots are thought to have been first made popular by surfers from Perth, the largest city on Australia’s west coast. This kind of footwear was just as popular with Australian surfers back in the day as they are now. They wore the boots to keep their feet warm after coming in from the ocean. What is great about them is that sheepskin is a naturally thermostatic material. It will keep feet at a comfortable temperature no matter what the weather.

From Perth the popularity of ugg boots spread across the whole of Australia and came to represent the laid back way of life. On the East Coast of Australia it was discovered that the boots were just as suitable for wear in the snow as they are on the beach. Having a similar climate, ugg boots soon spread to California and became a hot trend amongst celebrities in LA. Nowadays they have become a classic item of footwear and a wardrobe staple for many women all over the world. There are many different styles and colours available and they can be worn with almost everything, skirts, trousers or dresses and at any time of the year. They are fantastic for keeping warm in winter but will also ventilate feet and draw any sweat away from them in the summer keeping them cool.

The best quality boots are made from merino sheepskin. There are many fake sheepskin boots for sale on the internet but these will not have the special qualities of real sheepskin boots and may not last very. Ensure that you always buy you boots from a trusted retailer!

As well as at a number of independent boutiques and garden centres, Wombat boots are available to buy online at Bobtails Trading Company, D2D and Just4Leather.

Choosing the right leather bush hat

So you fancy buying yourself a leather bush hat but don’t know which style to go for. There are 6 hats in the Wombat Leather bush hat range so you are bound to find the right hat to fit your lifestyle and personality. All Wombat leather bush hats are made from the highest quality leather, are waterproof and will protect you to up to 50 UV but there are several differences in style, colour and finish. Apart from the Wombat Cowboy which has a shaped brim, all bush hats are a standard classic shape.

Wombat Cowboy

All Wombat Leather bush hats come in one of three kinds of leather: full grain, soft split or suede. Full grain leather has not been altered beyond hair removal. As the leather remains relatively close to its natural state, it is the toughest and most durable kind of leather. What’s more the colours, textures and markings may differ slightly giving a particularly rugged look.

Wombat Original full-grain leather

At the tannery leather is often split into layers and then treated with oils. Split leather comes from those layers which are closest to the flesh and thus has a more uniform colour and texture as well as a soft and pliable finish. As it is thinner it is less durable than full-grain hide. Suede is created from split leather by abrading the surface of the leather with an emery wheel. Due to its texture it is much more susceptible to stains from water damage than either full grain or split leather.

Wombat suede in Stone

To purchase Wombat Leather hats online, please visit Bobtails Trading Company, D2D or Just4Leather.

Caring for your sheepskin boots

Looking after your sheepskin ‘ugg’ boots will ensure that they remain as clean and comfortable as they day you bought them. Before wear it is advisable to treat your sheepskin ‘ugg’ boots with a water and stain repellent to avoid any staining. This will prevent dirt and oil from soaking into the sheepskin and cause any dirt to remain on the surface, making them much easier to clean. Such a spray is readily available from larger supermarkets, department stores or your local shoe shop. To avoid any damage during this process please read the accompanying instructions very carefully. Evenly spray the surface of the sheepskin with your water and stain repellent until it appears wet, but not soaked. Then leave your boots to dry naturally for at least 24 hours. Do not leave them in direct heat or sunlight. Once dry brush your boots lightly in one direction with a very soft bristle brush.


Unfortunately not all stains can be prevented. If your sheepskin ‘ugg’ boots should become stained do not put them in the washing machine. You will need to treat the stains by hand. Although sheepskin cleansers and conditioners do exist, they are not always easy to get hold of. Instead you can try treating the stains with shampoo. As it designed for your head and many people take a great deal of care over their hair, shampoos are usually much gentler than other soaps or cleaning products. Dampen your sheepskin ‘ugg’ boots with clean, cold water and apply a small amount of sheepskin cleanser and conditioner (or shampoo if you are unable to get hold of this) to a clean, moist sponge. Do not apply the cleanser directly onto the boot. Gently scrub the stained areas using a delicate, circular motion. If you scrub too hard you may damage the surface of the sheepskin making the stain even more obvious. Rinse your sheepskin ‘ugg’ boots in clean, cold water. Again, you should allow them to dry naturally for at least 24 hours, keeping them out of direct heat or sunlight. It is also a good idea, especially if they are long boots, to stuff them with a hand towel or tea towel to help them keep their shape. Once dry lightly brush.

Our Products

There are 6 different hats in the Wombat Leather bush hat range. These bush hats differ in style and leather – the Wombat Cowboy has a shaped brim and there are full-grain as well as split and suede leathers - but all have a number of features in common. All Wombat Leather Australian bush hats are made from the finest grade cattle hide, are fully waterproof, will protect the wearer up to 50 UV and fold down into a canvas bag for ease of storage. These practical yet stylish hats are tough enough to stand even the harshest weather conditions and are perfect for country lifestyles as well as travelling.



Wombat Hats



There are currently only 2 different styles in the Wombat Leather boots range. The Wombat Classic boots are made from luxury twin-faced sheepskin for comfort and warmth and have a practical, durable sole. They also have a reinforced heel to prevent the collapse, regularly seen in lower quality styles. The Wombat Alice microfiber boots, also with a hardwearing sole and reinforced heel, are made from soft suede and have a snugly faux fur lining.


Wombat Classic sheepskin boots

 

Wombat Alice microfiber boots



Building on the success Wombat Leather ‘ugg’ boots, we have decided to add a new style to our range of Wombat Leather ‘ugg’ boots, the Wombat Matilda.  These long sheepskin boots will be available from mid-December in two classic colours: chocolate and chestnut.


Long Wombat Matilda sheepskin boots in Chestnut



Long Wombat Matilda sheepskin boots in Chocolate

Bobtails Trading Company is offering a 10% discount on pre-orders so take advantage of this fantastic offer today!

Welcome to the Wombat Leather blog

Welcome to the Wombat Leather blog. Here we will be posting on variety of different topics including new products, care guides and the materials and processes used to make our fantastic products. At Wombat Leather we are very proud of our products so we hope you will enjoy finding out a little more about them.

After over 25 years of selling outdoor clothing, in particular Australian leather bush hats by Barmah, at various game fairs, country shows and steam rallies up and down the country Kara Buchan, founder of Bobtails Trading Company and Debbie Davies, founder of D2D and Just4Leather decided to join forces and create their own brand of quality leather goods.

It was, in fact, at one of these shows that Kara and Debbie met and discovered their common passion for Australian leather goods. Their aim was to provide their customers with beautifully designed products made from the finest quality materials, but without the designer price tag. And so in the summer of 2009, Wombat Leather was born.

A year later Wombat Leather had launched a range of Australian inspired leather bush hats and in October 2010, by popular demand, Wombat Leather introduced a line of luxury sheepskin boots.

Since then the brand has gone from strength to strength and Wombat Leather hats and sheepskin boots are becoming available in an increasing number of stores. For a list of stockists, please visit wombatleather.com/where-to-buy